The Trade Federation Directorate, alternatively known as the Trade Federation Executive Board, functioned as the governing body for the Trade Federation's vast array of resources and holdings.
This board was composed of seven individuals, with the Viceroy holding the position of both Directorate chair and, in the case of a Neimoidian Viceroy, leader of the Neimoidian Inner Circle. The members of the Directorate were self-elected, and they also selected the Viceroy, Deputy Viceroy, and Senator, although the latter two do not seem to have been Directorate members themselves. The annual gatherings of elites on the moon Sojourn exerted influence on the Directorate's composition from behind the scenes.
In the year 33 BBY, the Directorate's membership was structured as follows:
- One Neimoidian ( Viceroy Nute Gunray )
- One Gran
- One Sullustan
- Four Humans ( two originating from Kuat , one from Balmorra , and one from Filve ) Hath Monchar, Lott Dod, and Rune Haako, all Neimoidians, served as Deputy Viceroy, Senator, and Legal Counsel/ Settlement Officer, respectively. Outside of the official hierarchy, they formed Nute Gunray's close circle, backing his rise to power to enhance their own standing.
During the Eriadu Trade Summit in 33 BBY, all Directorate members who were not Neimoidian were killed due to malfunctioning security droids that had been provided to Gunray by Darth Sidious. However, everyone else, including the Jedi and the Nebula Front themselves, believed it was an action of the Nebula Front.
Consequently, Viceroy Nute Gunray gained complete authority over the Federation. This allowed him to freely order militarization and the Invasion of Naboo. He replaced the deceased Directorate members with Neimoidian associates, including Hath Monchar, legal advisor Rune Haako, Lott Dod, and flagship captain Daultay Dofine. These individuals were ideal choices because they were prepared to follow the directives of Gunray and, indirectly, Sidious.